MS-13 gang member sentenced in federal court for illegal gun possession

Illegal alien from El Salvador lived on the Westside of Indianapolis

Indianapolis - United States Attorney Josh Minkler today announced the sentencing of an illegal alien and violent gang member found to be in possession of a firearm. Jose Salvador Gonzalez-Campos, age 27, was sentenced to 1 year and 1 day imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker.

“Protecting our communities from ruthless transnational criminal organizations like MS-13 who exploit our immigration laws and terrorize our communities is a top priority of this office and the Department of Justice,” said Minkler.

Gonzalez-Campos was found in the company of other known MS-13 gang members’ associates in the Columbus, Ohio area. On more than one occasion, investigators observed Gonzalez-Campos wearing a light blue backpack. In addition, photographs posted on a Facebook page associated with Gonzalez-Campos showed him wearing a light blue backpack.

On August 15, 2017, members of an FBI SWAT team executed a search of the defendant’s  residence, 2810 West Ray Street, Indianapolis, and agents took Gonzalez-Campos and three other alleged MS-13 gang members into federal custody. During a subsequent search of the residence, agents located a light blue backpack similar to the one Gonzalez-Campos had been seen wearing. In the backpack, agents discovered an El Salvadorian passport with the defendant's name listed on it; a stainless steel Taurus .357 caliber revolver and five rounds of .357 ammunition. In the same room with the backpack, agents found a second passport with Gonzalez-Campos’ name and a photograph that depicted the defendant in various poses with family members.

Gonzalez Campos is an illegal alien and cannot legally possess a firearm.

This 18-month investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Immigration Customs Enforcement; the Columbus, Indiana Police Department; and the Franklin County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Office.

“Violent criminal street gangs like MS-13 threaten our communities. Today’s sentence will not only make our neighborhoods safer, but send a message to other gang members that the FBI and its law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue efforts to disrupt and dismantle organized crime groups such as these,” said Robert Middleton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Barry Glickman, who serves as the Deputy Chief of Gun and Violent Crimes, Gonzalez-Campos will likely be removed to his native country of El Salvador  after serving his sentence.  Judge Barker also imposed a term of three years supervised release.   

In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to utilize and partner with law enforcement agencies to prosecute illegal immigration cases, to prosecute our most violent criminals and focus local prosecutions on illegal gun possession.  See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 1.8, 2.2 and 2.9.